Boom! Here comes a gate

AUTOMATED parking will be implemented at Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre on May 1, says the director of Harrington Property Group, Trevor Byles.

The new system will replace the current operation which requires patrons to display a valid ticket from a machine that indicates free parking for the first three hours.

The new automatic boom gate system will allow for two hours of free parking, with the ticket being provided at the boom-gate entry.

Mr Byles said this system caused confusion as customers could park their cars without having to pull a ticket upon entry. He said a boom-gate system, which requires customers to pull a ticket before entering the car park, will now make the system very clear.

"Under the current system customers could potentially park and shop oblivious to the fact they require a ticket and as a result they would likely be issued with a payment notice costing them $88," he said.

"While signage was utilised in an attempt to inform patrons the ethnic diversity of Fairfield meant much of the signage was ineffective in providing customers with enough information about the system."

Mr Byles said the Forum's centre management received a staggering number of complaints each day with many customers vowing never to shop there again.

"The volume of complaints meant a change was essential," he said.

The centre approached independent car park consultants and requested a review of the car park system as well as advice on alternatives.

Mr Byles said the consultants' review determined the preferred solution was to install boom gates.